Method of playing a wagering game and gaming devices with a bingo-type secondary game

ABSTRACT

Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprise a first gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a display of a bingo-type game actuatable in response to a signal from the first gaming unit.

[0001] The present invention is directed to methods of playing wageringgames and gaming devices comprising a second payout indicator comprisinga bingo-type game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Games of chance have been enjoyed by people for thousands ofyears and have enjoyed widespread popularity in recent times. Manypeople enjoy playing a wide variety of games that they have notpreviously played. Playing new games adds to the excitement of thisrecreational activity particularly when some form of “gaming” isinvolved. As used herein, the term “gaming” and “gaming devices” areused to indicate that some form of wagering is involved, and thatplayers must make wagers of value, whether actual currency or someequivalent of value, e.g., token or credit.

[0003] One popular game of chance that has long been enjoyed by manyplayers is the slot machine. Conventionally, a slot machine isconfigured for a player to input something of value, e.g., adenomination of currency or house token or other representation ofcurrency or credit, and then to permit the player to activate the devicewhich causes a plurality of reels to spin and ultimately stop to displaya random combination of some form of indicia, for example, numbers orsymbols. If this display contains one of a preselected plurality ofwinning combinations, the machine releases money into a payout chute oronto a credit meter for the player. For example, if a player initiallywagered two coins of a national currency and that player won a highpayout, that player may receive fifty coins of the same denomination inreturn.

[0004] Since it is desirable to offer players games which they have notplayed before, it would be desirable to provide a player with new gamesand additional opportunities to receive winning payouts. It would beparticularly desirable to provide new methods of determining the amountsof such winning payouts.

[0005] It would therefore also be desirable to provide a novel secondpayout indicator which is discernible by a player and/or otherobservers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention comprise gamingdevices having a first gaming unit displaying a randomly selectedcombination of indicia, a signal generated by the first gaming unit anda bingo-type game which is activatable in response to a signal from thefirst gaming unit. For example, the signal generated by the first gamingunit can correspond with at least one of a predetermined plurality ofwinning indicia sets of said first gaming unit, the placement of a wagerof a predetermined-value such as a maximum wager on the first gamingunit, the simple activation of the first gaming unit by placement of anywager, the player's rate of wagering on the first gaming unit, or someintermediate event occurring during the play of the first gaming unit.For example, if the first gaming unit is a video card game, thebingo-type game can be automatically activated if the initial displaycomprises a pair or higher. The bingo-type game is preferably displayedon a screen and includes indicia of a bingo card and indicia of bingomarkers. The indicia of bingo markers may include bingo numbers or bingoballs displaying bingo numbers which may be displayed at random, atpredetermined time increments, or in response to one or more of thesignal criteria mentioned above with reference to initially renderingthe bingo-type game activatable. For example, bingo numbers may bedisplayed on a three-dimensional screen every 10 or 20 seconds.Alternatively, the second indicia may be displayed at a predeterminedtime increment, at a rate related to the players' rate of wagering orafter a predetermined number of games have been played.

[0007] The award provided by the bingo-type game can either change anaward from the first gaming unit or can be independent of the firstgaming unit. According to one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the total payout to a player by the bingo-type game isrelated to the amount of numbers or bingo balls drawn when bingo is won.A payout meter is preferably provided to indicate the winning payout forthe bingo game. The payout meter of the bingo-type game preferablydecreases after each bingo ball or number is drawn or at increments atwhich a number of balls or numbers have been drawn. Therefore, it ismost advantageous to a player to win bingo quickly.

[0008] Several types of balls may be used with the present inventionincluding a fun ball, a re-spin ball, a magic ball or an animation ball.For example, a magic ball reveals numbers which are randomly drawn atcertain time increments or after a certain number of games have beenplayed. Possible time increments for drawing numbers on the ball include5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, etc. A player may stillbe provided with an opportunity to win bingo even if he stops playingthe first gaming unit.

[0009] Additionally, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention, when the payout meter of the bingo game decreases to below acertain amount, the game dispenses a scratch-off card offering theplayer an additional opportunity to win an award.

[0010] According to most preferred embodiments, the bingo-type game maybe used with any primary base device where the base game is selectedfrom three reel slot machines, video slot machines, video poker games,Keno, etc. Alternatively, the bingo-type game may be a second screenevent to a primary video base game or a dedicated video game.

[0011] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, abingo-type game is only activated when a player makes the maximum wagerin the first gaming unit. Alternatively, the bingo-type game may beactivated when a player makes one of a plurality of predetermined wagersin the first gaming unit.

[0012] As described in more detail below, it is within the scope of thepresent invention to provide a payout from the primary gaming unit, apayout indicated by the bingo type game only, a payout from the primarygaming unit or the bingo-type game or a separate, plurality of payoutsfrom the primary gaming unit and the bingo-type game.

[0013] Still other embodiments of the present invention comprise gamingdevices having electronic means for displaying indicia of rotatablereels such as a video screen and/or means for displaying indicia of abonus payout indicator, such as a video screen, and/or a payoutmultiplier.

[0014] The present invention also comprises methods for playing a gameof chance. One preferred method comprises the steps of a firstdisplaying a randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayedindicia selected from the group consisting of slot reels, indicia ofreels, indicia of playing cards, and combinations thereof; said firstgaming unit comprising means for generating at least one signalcorresponding to at least one select display of indicia; and providing asecond indicia of a bingo-type game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming device of the presentinvention.

[0016]FIG. 2 illustrates a payout chart which may be utilized with oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 3 illustrates a payline display which can be used with thereel display 110.

[0018]FIG. 4 illustrates a payout table which can be utilized with theprimary game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The various embodiments of the present invention are designed toprovide added excitement to a gaming device in order to increase theenjoyment to players and to serve as an added attraction to potentialplayers. One preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustratedin FIG. 1, comprises a primary gaming unit which comprises threerotatable reels 10, each of which comprise a plurality of indicia on theperiphery thereof, and a bingo-type game. While the illustratedembodiment comprises a base unit having three reels, other forms ofrandomly selected indicia, such as those commonly found in casino-typegaming devices, can also be used without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The bingo game comprises a display of is a bingo card152 and display of bingo markers 154 which, in this embodiment, comprisemovable numbered balls corresponding to the bingo card. According tothis illustrated embodiment, when it is desired to dispense a bingomarker, a ball is shown as being expelled from chute 155. If the ballmatches one of the numbers on the bingo card, then the ball ispreferably directed to that number and the illumination of that numberis changed in some way to indicate that the space is taken. If the balldoes not match one of the numbers on the particular display card, thenthe ball can be directed to a trash bin 158. If desired, the balls canalso be moved around the screen in any particularly desired fashion.

[0020] The illustrated gaming device comprises a coin slot 114, currencyvalidator 116 and a credit card validator 118. In a manner which will berecognized by those skilled in the art, each reel 110 is designed torotate and then stop in order to visually display at least one, andpreferably a number of indicia. If the collection of indicia displayedby the three reels is one of a predetermined plurality of winningindicia sets, then the player can typically be provided with a winningpayout either through coin chute 120 which deposits winnings into a cointrough or by increasing the player's credits in a credit window 145.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a playerwagers the maximum number of coins in the first gaming unit, the playeris provided with an opportunity for a second or enhanced payout via thebingo-type game. According to this illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention, the second payout is dependent on whether or when the playerwins bingo. According to the preferred and illustrated embodiments,after the bingo game has been activated, it is played to completion andthe payout provided to the player is dependant upon when the player getsa bingo.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2 on a payout screen which most preferablysurrounds the bingo display shown on FIG. 1, a player can win a grandprize, for example, $10,000.00 if a bingo is attained in four-or-fiveballs. Increasing payouts can be awarded for bingos of greater numbersof balls, for example $2,500.00 for a bingo in six-or-seven (6 or 7)balls, $1,000.00 for eight-to-eleven (8-11) balls, $250.00 fortwelve-to-fifteen (12-15) balls and decreasing payment to a payment offorty (40) coins for a bingo in over sixty (60) balls. As indicated inarea 210 of FIG. 2, if the final ball which generates a bingo forms two(2) bingos or three (3) bingos, then the player's award can be doubled,tripled, respectively. The bingo screen can also indicate other payouts.For example, in FIG. 2, it is indicated that a player will receive aprogressive jackpot if the player attains a certain outcome on a certainpayline with a predetermined number of coins bet. In this embodiment, ifa player attains three DOUBLE-BAR DIAMOND indicia on the fifth paylineafter having wagered six (6) coins, then the player wins a progressivejackpot. The paylines for the primary game are indicated in FIG. 3.Furthermore, FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a payout on the basegame.

[0023] According to one preferred embodiment, a gaming device isprovided with a base game and an opportunity for a second or enhancedpayout wherein the value of the second payout is determined in part uponthe number of balls or numbers that have been drawn on a secondary unitdisplaying a bingo game. According to the preferred illustratedembodiment of the present invention described above, the number of ballsdrawn is dependent upon the bingo card, i.e., balls are drawn untilbingo is won.

[0024] It is also within the scope of the present invention to providenon-monetary prizes or losing spaces wherein no additional prize isprovided and/or wherein the prize normally associated with the indiciashown on the primary gaming unit reels 110 is reduced.

[0025] When the game is not in use, the bingo card component, and/or thereels can be set to an attract mode wherein a message is displayed topotential players or play is simulated.

[0026] While separate screens are preferred, both the reels and thebingo game indicator could be displayed on the same video screen. Theillustrated embodiment of the present invention is considered mostpreferable since it is believed that players prefer to see actual slotreels. Other embodiments are also possible while providing theadvantages of the present invention. Specifically, it is feasible toreplace the spinning reels with other forms of gaming units, forexample, a visible indicia of reels or indicia of playing cards, shownfor example on a video screen.

[0027] As stated above, the present invention also includes methods ofconducting a wagering game of chance comprising the steps of providing aplayer with an opportunity to place a wager, displaying a randomlyselected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia selected fromthe group consisting of reels, indicia of reels, indicia of playingcards, and combination thereof, generating at least one signalcorresponding to at least one select display of said indicia, providingat least one discernible indicia of a second payout indicator, saidsecond payout indicator comprising a bingo card and indiciacorresponding to the bingo card.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming device comprising: a first gaming unitfor displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia; means forgenerating at least one signal corresponding to said first gaming unit;means for displaying indicia of a bingo-type game which is actuatable inresponse to said signal, said displaying means displaying indicia of abingo card and indicia of randomly selected bingo markers.
 2. A gamingdevice according to claim 1 wherein said first gaming unit comprisesmeans for receiving at least one of a plurality of wagers of differentvalues and said displaying means is only activatable when a player makesa maximum wager in said first gaming unit.
 3. A gaming device accordingto claim 1 wherein said first gaming unit comprises means for receivingat least one of a plurality of wagers of different values and saiddisplaying means is activated when a player makes the maximum wager insaid first gaming unit.
 4. A gaming device according to claim 1 whereinsaid first gaming unit comprises means for receiving at least one of aplurality of wagers of different values and said displaying means isactivated when a player makes a predetermined wager in said first gamingunit.
 5. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said indicia ofbingo markers are displayed randomly.
 6. A gaming device according toclaim 1 wherein said indicia of bingo markers are displayed atpredetermined time increments.
 7. A gaming device according to claim 6wherein said predetermined time increment is twenty seconds.
 8. A gamingdevice according to claim 1 wherein said indicia of bingo markers aredisplayed at a rate related to the player's rate of wagering.
 9. Agaming device according to claim 1 wherein said indicia of bingo markersare displayed after a predetermined number of games have been played onsaid first gaming unit.
 10. A gaming device according to claim 9 whereinsaid predetermined number of games is ten.
 11. A gaming device accordingto claim 1 wherein said indicia of bingo markers are displayed untilbingo is won on said bingo card.
 12. A gaming device according to claim1 further comprising a pay meter which indicates a winning payout forsaid bingo game and wherein the amount indicated by said pay meterchanges as said displaying means displays at least some of said indiciaof bingo markers.
 13. A gaming device according to claim 12 wherein saidpay meter decreases as said displaying means displays indicia of bingomarkers.
 14. A gaming device according to claim 12 wherein said paymeter increases as said displaying means displays said indicia of bingomarkers.
 15. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said indiciaof bingo markers comprise indicia of bingo balls displaying bingonumbers.
 16. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein saiddisplaying means comprises a screen which displays three-dimensionalimages.
 17. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said gamingdevice further comprises an audio speaker.
 18. A gaming device accordingto claim 1 wherein said first gaming unit comprises indicia of reels.19. A gaming device according to claim 1 wherein said first gaming unitcomprises a plurality of reels.
 20. A gaming device according to claim 1wherein said first gaming unit comprises indicia of playing cards.
 21. Agaming device according to claim 1 wherein said signal corresponds to atleast one predetermined display of indicia by said first standard gamingunit.
 22. A method of conducting a wagering game of chance comprisingthe steps of: providing a first gaming unit; providing a player with anopportunity to place at least one wager; displaying a randomly selectedcombination of indicia on said first gaming unit; generating at leastone signal corresponding to said first gaming unit; displaying indiciaof a bingo-type game which is actuatable in response to said signal,said displaying means displaying indicia of a bingo card and indicia ofbingo markers; and providing a payout related to said displayed indicia.23. A method of conducting a wagering game according to claim 22 whereinsaid first gaming unit comprises means for receiving at least one of aplurality of wagers of different values and said displaying means isonly activatable when a player makes a maximum wager in said firstgaming unit.
 24. A method of conducting a wagering game according toclaim 22 wherein said first gaming unit comprises means for receiving atleast one of a plurality of wagers of different values and saiddisplaying means is activated when a player makes a predetermined wagerin said first gaming unit.
 25. A method of conducting a wagering gameaccording to claim 22 wherein said indicia of bingo markers aredisplayed randomly.
 26. A method of conducting a wagering game accordingto claim 22 wherein said indicia of bingo markers are displayed at apredetermined time increment.
 27. A method of conducting a wagering gameaccording to claim 26 wherein said predetermined time increment istwenty seconds.
 28. A method of conducting a wagering game according toclaim 26 wherein said indicia of bingo markers are displayed at a raterelated to the player's rate of wagering.
 29. A method of conducting awagering game according to claim 22 wherein said of bingo markers areindicia are displayed after a predetermined number of games have beenplayed.
 30. A method of conducting a wagering game according to claim 29wherein said predetermined number of games is ten.
 31. A method ofconducting a wagering game according to claim 22 wherein said indicia ofbingo markers are displayed until bingo is won on said bingo card.
 32. Amethod of conducting a wagering game according to claim 26 furthercomprising the step of displaying a pay meter which indicates a winningpayout for said bingo game and wherein the amount indicated by said paymeter changes as said displaying means displays at least one of saidindicia of bingo markers.
 33. A method of conducting a wagering gameaccording to claim 28 wherein said pay meter decreases as saiddisplaying means displays said at least one indicia of bingo markers.34. A method of conducting a wagering game according to claim 28 whereinsaid pay meter increases as said displaying means displays said at leastone indicia of bingo markers.
 35. A method of conducting a wagering gameaccording to claim 22 wherein said step of displaying indicia of a bingotype game comprises displaying a three-dimensional display.
 36. A methodof conducting a wagering game of chance comprising the steps of:providing a first gaming unit; providing a player with an opportunity toplace a wager; displaying a randomly selected combination of indicia onsaid first gaming unit; generating at least one signal corresponding tosaid first gaming unit; providing means for displaying indicia of abingo-type game which is actuatable in response to said signal, saiddisplaying means displaying indicia of a bingo card and indicia of bingomarkers; and providing a payout independent of said indicia displayed onsaid first gaming unit.